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Though the United Kingdom and Chinese forces were evenly matched in terms of weaponry during the early 1700s, there is significant evidence to prove that a gap in terms of millitary technology between the two forces had formed over the course of the last century. By the time of the opium war the gap was so large that the severely outnumbered British forces who were far from from their home country could overpower the Chinese forces in almost every battle on every terrain, whether it be sea or land.
"Chinese weapons captured by the crew of the Nemesis in battle" (Seonyeong Anes Lee)
During the Opium War, the Chinese forces utilised shotguns with a length of 2.01 meters, a range of roughly 100 meters, and a rate of firing of 1-2 shots per minute. (Sino-British Opium War Weaponry Comparison) Since the shotguns were from the Ming period, they were quite outdated and couldn't counter the british forces.
"Swords used by Chinese forces" (Seonyeong Anes Lee)
Since there weren't enough shotguns to go around, the Qing Dynasty also used crossbows and spears. Because the temperature for smelting was too low, the irons used to make artillery were also impure, resulting in rough artillery.
"Muskets used by the United Kingdom (Seonyeong Anes Lee)
Burke-style muzzle-loading smoothbore flintlocks with a length of 1.16 meters, a range of about 200 meters, and a rate of fire of 2-3 rounds per minute were utilized in the United Kingdom (Sino-British Opium War Weaponry Comparison).
"Nemisis the British Warship"
The gunboat Nemesis spanned 56 meters in length, 8.8 meters in beam, 1.8 meters in draught, and 660 tons in weight. It was powered by two Forrester engines with a combined output of 120 horsepower. It was armed with a rocket launcher and two pivot-mounted 32 pounder and four 6 pounder guns.
"Artillery Of The Qing" (Seonyeong Anes Lee)
"War Junks Used By the Qing" (Seonyeong Anes Lee)
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